Electrical-charge accumulation enables integrative quality control during B. subtilis sporulation

Abstract

Quality control of offspring is important for the survival of cells. However, the mechanism by which quality of offspring cells may be monitored while running genetic programs of cellular differentiation remains largely unclear. Here we investigated a quality control system during Bacillus subtilis spore formation by combining single-cell time-lapse microscopy, molecular biology and mathematical modelling. Our results revealed that the quality-control system via premature germination is coupled with the accumulation of cations on the surface of developing forespores. Specifically, the forespores accumulating less cations on their surface are more likely to be aborted. This charge accumulation system enables the projection of multidimensional information about the external environment and morphological development of the forespore onto a one-dimensional information of cation accumulation. Based on the insight we gain, we propose a novel use of Nernstian chemicals for reducing the yield and quality of Bacillus endospores.